Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

The BEST Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe that’s pack with all of the flavors from the herb butter, the orange glaze, and the juice you anticipate from your Thanksgiving turkey.

If you are looking for a conversation starter, you are in the right place, my friend. This fool-proof roasted turkey recipe is the one you need. 

I’ll be honest, Thanksgiving dinner is usually left to my husband, AJ. That’s his favorite holiday.

AJ often goes all out with the turkey, Haitian patties, and his special tomato sauce to accompany the red beans and rice. I, on the other hand, would assist by making the collard greens, glazed carrots, deviled eggs, and whatever else he may ask me to help with while he prepares his feast. Pretty much, I am his sous-chef for the day. 

From Thanksgiving table setting, to stovetop mac and cheese, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

But…This herb-roasted turkey is slathered in herb butter, then air fried to golden brown perfection; leaving you with a crispy outer layer AND juicy turkey. 

I have outlined everything you need to know about this recipe. From preparation to putting it on the table. Let’s begin….

The best turkey for Thanksgiving

This recipe calls for a small turkey breast about 3lbs. However, it’s packed with flavor from the orange glaze, and it’s.

So easy to make that even a beginner cook can put together an impressive meal. It will surpass all expectations as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving dinner.

Your guests will not expect it is from the air fryer.

See the step by step tutorial for how to cook the best turkey for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time of the year!

How to thaw a turkey

This recipe works for either frozen or fresh turkeys. If using frozen turkeys, the best way to thaw it is in the refrigerator.

I recommend placing the bird on a large plate or bowl (if possible) so that the drippings doesn’t get everywhere and into other foods in the fridge. Typically, a small turkey about 5lbs. will require at least one day to thaw out. 

If you are using a larger turkey up to 17 lbs. or so, you’ll need about 4 days but no more than 5 for it to thaw out completely. 

How to prep a turkey breast

To prepare a turkey for roasting in the air fryer, you’ll need to do the following steps:

• If the breast came with a gravy package, remove the package as you will be creating your own. It is very simple to do. Full details below. 
• Check to see if the bird fits in the air fryer, if not, turn the bird breast down and cut the bones underneath the breast so the meat can sit flat in the air fryer. 

How to make the orange glaze?

Prepare the glaze by squeezing one orange into a small sauce pan. Add the honey, and the remaining 2 tablespoon herb butter. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary. 

Bring the glaze to a quick boil then remove from the heat. Set aside to rest. 

How to make herb roasted turkey breast

To start off, this air fryer turkey breast is coated in a sweet-savory orange glaze and herb butter. It is then roasted to an amazing golden brown color. Fuss-free!

In order for this recipe to work, you will need an air fryer that’s large enough handle at least a 5lb. whole chicken. Like this one. 

 At this point, if you are using a larger bird, and you want to still air fry it, I recommend cutting up the turkey and cooking it in batches.

We have prepared turkey this way in the past for Thanksgiving dinners. It definitely help to present something a little different to the table.

After the turkey is cooked, then we would add it in a sauce similar to the one used in the poulet en sauce. 

This turkey is seasoned with herb garlic butter which is super easy to make. You may use either fresh or dry herbs. 

In a medium bowl, add the softened butter, herbs, and lightly season with salt and pepper. Use a fork or spoon to mash the ingredients together until well combined. 

Adjust the measurement baste on the size of the turkey breast. Ideally, you’ll want to cover every part of the turkey with the herb butter, and be sure to smear it under the skin too. 

After the turkey breast is coated in the herb butter, place it in the air fryer breast up to cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. This step is what gives you the initial amazing deep golden brown color and allow the skin to crisp up. 

While the turkey is cooking, prepare the glaze. This step will allow you to be ready to baste the turkey after the 20 minutes are up. 

After 20 minutes, baste the turkey with the glaze. Then turn the turkey breast down and continue to baste.

Put it back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Baste every 10 minutes. 

Most recipes will advise you to cook the turkey at 160 degrees F. then remove it from the oven, and cover it with aluminum foil until it reaches 165 degree F. 

No need to do that with this recipe. You can cook the meat until it reaches the full temperature. It will not be dry – I promise!

How do you reheat turkey breast?

Poultry tend to be dry if reheated repeatedly. However, if you need to reheat the turkey breast, I would recommend putting the meat in a baking tray, cover it with aluminum foil and reheat for 25 minutes; depending on the size. 

How to make the gravy?

Heat up the herb butter mixture on medium low heat. 

Add 3 tbsp. all – purpose flour. Whisk well and slowly add 1 ½ cup vegetable stock (or chicken stock). Mix well. Then add 3 tbsp. of the turkey juice. Continue whisking until smooth and the sauce starts to thicken up. 

Pairing Suggestions

I like to serve my roasted turkey breast with classic holiday side dishes. Some of my favorites include candied carrots, deviled eggs, cauliflower mash, and collard greens.

Pro Tip To Make This Dish

• Be mindful of the air fryer you have. I have a Crux air fryer which typically holds a 5lbs. whole chicken. The turkey breast used in this recipe is about 3 ½ lbs.
• If you have a larger air fryer, double the ingredients to make it work for you. 
• Turkey breast cooks for approximately 20 minutes per pound.

if you loved this Air fryer Turkey Breast Recipe, you must try this air fryer Oreos, this roasted acorn slices, and this air fried okra recipe.

If you make this Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe, please let me know how it turns out for you in the comments! Also, tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your beautiful dish. I hope you love it.